If you have never been stopped by the police when driving, you probably don’t know what they ask for at the moment. What if you are stopped while driving without car insurance?

A police officer requires the vehicle registration, your driver’s license, and a copy of your car insurance.

If you don’t have the copy handy, a penalty will be applied. 

However, if you don’t have car insurance, further consequences will be applied.

Keep reading to learn more about it. 

Firstly, it is important to know that vehicle or auto insurance is mandatory in all United States. 

Then, you must apply for one the moment you decide to own a car, no matter the type of vehicle.

But supposing you have auto insurance and forget to bring a copy that proves you have it. And a police officer stops you while you are driving. Then, what happens?

Well, if you have it but cannot prove it, you will probably face a fine. Not as expensive as the one that applies if you don’t have car insurance at all, but not that cheap. 

Therefore, it is essential to always bring with you a copy or something that proves you have auto insurance. On the other hand, what would happen if you don’t have auto insurance at all?

If you are caught driving without car insurance, you could be fined and even have your driver’s license suspended. 

Also, police may get your car impounded. 

The fines may range from $150 to $1,750, depending on the state you reside in.  For example, in California, penalties vary from $360 to $720, and the police officer may impound your vehicle.

On the contrary, in New York, fines range from $150 to $1,500, your license and registration may be revoked for some years if you don’t show proof of insurance, and the police officer may impound your vehicle.

In Texas, penalties may go up to $1,750. And in Florida, your license and registration may be suspended unless you show proof of auto insurance within a determined date. Moreover, you will have to pay a fee for reinstatement.

Thus, it is crucial to have car insurance the moment you own a vehicle in order to protect you in all kinds of situations.  

If, in your opinion, you pay a fine for driving without car insurance, imagine if you are involved in a car accident without car insurance.

Besides the shock of the accident itself, you may face a legal process personally. So, that may lead you into serious debt.

Also, it applies to both situations below:

Besides the medical expenses and repair deals you will face to pay, uninsured drivers will have to pay other fines depending on the state. Additionally, in certain situations, you may even face prison sentences. 

For example, in Texas, your vehicle will be impounded, and you will have to pay a fine with an annual surcharge for three years.

Not to mention that your license and registration will be automatically suspended. The same happens in New York and California.

The differences between the states are the fine amounts, time for suspensions, and other conditions.

In Florida, you will pay a $150 reinstatement fee, and in case you are at fault, you will have to pay for 100% other driver’s medical and vehicle expenses.

In addition, depending on the accident’s severity, you will face sentences according to the law.  

Basically, there will be several consequences you will face along the way. No matter where you live, you will lose your license and registration.

The vehicle will be impounded, and you will face various charges depending on the severity of the accident.

Therefore, it is very important to have auto insurance to avoid expenses that may be covered by insurance.

That’s why it is equally essential to find the best insurance for you, even before purchasing a vehicle. 

Nowadays, there are many options available, and you will be able to find the one that fits your needs and mainly your pocket.

As can be seen in this article, it is not worth taking the risk of driving without auto insurance. 

In case you are caught driving without car insurance, you will face several expensive fines and may lose your license and registration.

In case you are involved in a car accident without having insurance, you will face more damaging fines and penalties. And all that may lead to serious debt.

It is really not worth not having car insurance. In fact, having one at the moment you own a vehicle is mandatory.

So, don’t waste time and money risking yourself and others on the streets.

In the United States, it is mandatory to have auto insurance.

As mentioned earlier, if you are caught driving or involved in a traffic accident without insurance, there will be consequences.

Essentially, when you buy the car, you already get the insurance. Thus, it is crucial to start searching for the best before purchasing your vehicle. 

And what about home insurance? Do you know how it works and its particularities?

Find out everything about it, including advantages and disadvantages, in the following post.